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10 Business English Phrases Managers Use: Let That Sink In, Take a Step Back, and More (With Quiz & Real Examples)

Updated: Aug 20

A manager in a team meeting using the phrase “let that sink in” to emphasize a point, representing real Business English used in corporate settings.

As a manager, how you say something matters. The right words can make people stop and think. They can help you deliver a tough message without overexplaining—and still leave an impact.


When you use simple, natural phrases that real managers say every day, it’s easier to get your point across and sound more confident. In this article, you’ll learn 10 everyday expressions that help you lead better conversations and handle tough moments like a pro.


What Would You Do in This Situation?


Imagine this:


You’re in a meeting, walking your team through the latest numbers. The results aren’t great. After a moment of silence, you look up and say:


We lost 15% of our top clients last quarter. Let that sink in.

You don’t explain. You don’t move on. You just pause—and let the words land.

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What does "let that sink in" mean?


LET THAT SINK IN

phrase

used when you want people to think about something important or surprising


Business English Phrases in Action — Listen to the Example


Listen to the dialogue between Rick, the team manager, and Mona, the marketing lead, as they discuss a drop in client renewals.


Rick: Okay, let’s go over the numbers from last quarter. We saw a big drop in renewals and two of our top clients walked away.


Mona: Yeah, we tried to win them back, but they were already halfway through onboarding with a competitor.


Rick: I know. And I want everyone to understand what that means. That’s $2 million in lost revenue. Let that sink in.


(Everyone goes quiet for a moment)


Rick: We need to figure out exactly where we went wrong—and make sure this doesn’t happen again.


Learn More Everyday Phrases Smart Managers Use

Learn Business English. Business English Vocabulary practice. 10 common and useful Business English Phrases.

Let’s look at some other useful Business English phrases managers use every day.


Just to be clear.

Use it when you want to check understanding, or to explain something more clearly.


Just to be clear—this change won’t affect existing clients, right?


Let’s keep it brief.

Use it when you want to ask others to stay focused and not talk too long.


We’ve got a lot to cover—let’s keep it brief.

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Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Use it when you want to say: slow down, don’t make assumptions before something is certain.


We don’t even have a signed deal yet. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.


Here’s the bottom line.

Use it when you want to give the most important point or final decision after a discussion.


Here’s the bottom line—we can’t afford to delay this project.


Let's take a step back.

Use it when you want to pause and look at the bigger picture, for example, before making a decision.


We’re getting lost in the details. Let’s take a step back and remember what the main goal is.

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At the end of the day.

Use it when you want to highlight the key point after considering all the details.


At the end of the day, we need a solution that works for the client and the team.


Off the top of my head.

Use it when you're giving an answer without checking the details or thinking too much.


Off the top of my head, I’d say around 30%.


That’s not set in stone.

Use it when you want to say that a plan, decision, or date is not final and can still be adjusted.


The deadline’s not set in stone—we can adjust if needed.


Let’s circle back to that.

(This phrase is very common, but some people feel it’s slightly overused in corporate settings.)

Use it when you want to pause a topic and come back to it at another time.


That’s a good idea—let’s circle back to that in the next meeting.


Quick Quiz: Can You Choose the Right Phrase?

Learn Business English Vocabulary. Functional phrases for everyday communication you must know. Learn these useful and common phrases for office.

Test your knowledge of the 10 phrases you just learned.


Think like a manager—what would you say in each situation?


ANSWER KEY

1. We’ve been debating features for over an hour—let’s take a _____ back and ask what problem we’re actually solving.

A) turn

B) step

C) walk

 

2. Just to be _____, the client signed off on the revised timeline, right?

A) clear

B) clean

C) crarify

 

3. I know the feedback is positive, but let’s not get _____ of ourselves —we haven’t secured the contract yet.

A) in front

B) above

C) ahead

 

4. We’ve tested every workaround. Here’s the _____ line —we need to rebuild the system.

A) bottom

B) low

C) sharp

 

5. That’s a valid concern, but we’re short on time—let’s _____ to that after the demo.

A) circle back

B) move around

C) roll forward

 

6. Off the _____, I think we onboarded around 40 new users last week, but I’ll double-check the report.

A) tip of my brain

B) top of my head

C) front of my mind

 

7. I know we’ve got a lot to discuss, but let’s _____—this is just a quick check-in.

A) make it soft

B) hold it easy

C) keep it brief

 

8._____, our job is to deliver value to the customer, not just hit internal KPIs.

A) At the end of the day

B) By the end of goals

C) At the final notice

 

9. The structure’s flexible—we’re still in early planning, so none of this is _____ yet.

A) locked on paper

B) frozen in writing

C) set in stone

 

10. We lost our biggest client this morning because of this small mistake. Let that _____.

A) sit under

B) sink in

C) hold under


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